BOA SAS/LED Session: Developing your career as an SAS surgeon

For surgeons who are not on the traditional training pathway, the process of career progression can be less obvious, and can face unexpected challenges. However, an increasing number of SAS doctors are making the most of the growing range of opportunities open to them.

More than ever, there are opportunities to progress into a variety of domains, demonstrating the ability of SAS doctors to be leaders in their fields. Developing your skills (and CV) can be crucial for career progression into autonomous practice (such as the specialist grade), to follow the portfolio pathway, or to develop a fulfilling range of special interests. As SAS doctors become leaders in a variety of fields, there are a huge range of career opportunities open to SAS surgeons, and old narratives about the limitations of SAS roles are being challenged. For many, understanding these first steps into broader career development can open up a world of possibilities beyond their initial horizons.